Note 3 - Acquisitions (Detail) - Pro Forma Financial Information (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 01, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 01, 2011
Net revenues (in Dollars)	$ 36,901	$ 19,687	$ 62,799	$ 39,498
Net income attributable to Steel Excel Inc. (in Dollars)	$ 3,406	$ 5,425	$ 2,701	$ 4,378
Basic net income per share	$ 0.29	$ 1.81	$ 0.24	$ 0.40
Diluted net income per share	$ 0.29	$ 0.50	$ 0.24	$ 0.40